Election Commissioner Reviews Arrangements For K’taka Polls

In preparation for the impending election for the Karnataka Legislative Assembly, the Indian Election Commission inspected the election preparations and law and order coordination today. Senior officers from law enforcement agencies, chief secretaries, director generals of police, and chief election commissioner Rajiv Kumar had a review meeting via video conference today. Along with the bordering states of Goa, Maharashtra, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala, this also includes the Coast Guard, Narcotics Control Bureau, and Income Tax departments of Karnataka.

Rajiv Kumar gave state teams instructions to increase vigilance at the state boundaries during the review meeting. He stressed the importance of maintaining watch over the 185 interstate checkpoints spread over the six neighbouring States to prevent the cross-border transit of illegal money, alcohol, drugs, and freebies.

Kumar requested that the local officers responsible for failing to manage the power of money be held accountable for the seizure of more than Rs 305 crore up to this point. The Chief Election Commissioner instructed the authorities to increase the seizures with assistance from neighbouring border states and spread fear of the government among the violators. He gave orders for members of the Coast Guard and the Narcotics Control Bureau to maintain rigorous watch and aid in the drug war’s suppression.

Officials were also instructed by the chief election commissioner to keep a close eye on social media for any irregularities and false narratives that might be tainting the electoral mood. He asked the authorities to set higher standards for voting turnout, gender, youth, and participation of urban electors.